Popular Science - USA (2020 - Winter)

spacing out is

good for you

BYELEANOR CUMMINS

CONSTANTLY CRAMMING knowl-

edge and experiences into your brain may seem

like the quickest path to self - optimization. But

sometimes the best thing you can do for your

noggin is absolutely nothing at all.

Taking time to space out—whether by shower-

ing, pulling weeds, or petting a dog—provides an

opportunity for what psychologists call wakeful

rest. The brief interludes allow for inward atten-

tion, a time when you can put immediate tasks

like how you’ll meet that work deadline on hold

and instead focus on current feelings, reflect on

the past, and contemplate the future.

In these voids, MRI brain imaging shows a col-

laborative patchwork of gray matter called the

default mode network takes control. Neurosci-

entists still don’t completely understand how this

system works, but they think it connects disso-

nant parts of our brains, which can help us find

meaning in our chaotic lives. This clarity might

also reduce anxiety, boost creativity, and improve

memory, says Mary Helen Immordino- Yang, a

neuroscientist at the University of Southern Cali-

fornia’s Brain and Creativity Institute.

The trouble is, life’s endeavors leave little

room to let your mind wander. Many spend their

free time consuming entertainment, which may

feel relaxing but requires brainpower to enjoy.

Fortunately, there are ways to encourage your

default mode network to take over:

126 WINTER 2020 / POPSCI.COM

A WANDERING MIND REAPS BENE-

FITS YOU MIGHT NOT IMAGINE.

HOW TO DO

NOTHING

THESE PRO TIPS

WILL HELP CLEAR

YOUR HEAD.

FIND YOUR BLISS

Casual hobbies that

don’t overlap with

your day job can

help prevent out-of-

office anxiety.

GET AWAY

New surroundings

give your brain a

break from environ-

mental cues, like

the sight of your

desk and laptop,

that tell it to work.

SWITCH OFF

Notifications can be

too tempting to

ignore. Turning off

any and all devices

helps maintain

relaxation mode.